McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

Mercedes-Benz News

Mercedes-Benz news fromduPont REGISTRY News, updated daily, covering the S-Class, the Maybach range, the AMG models, the G-Class and the electric line-up. Our reporting takes in reveals, first drives, bespoke builds and the auction results that set collector values. Mercedes-Benz competes across more segments than almost any rival, so the news here runs unusually wide. Our marketplace supplies the part most publications leave out entirely. A great many of these cars are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which puts a review and a real asking price side by side. For Mercedes-Benz news today, and the luxury car market news around it, start here.

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 14, 2026

New 2027 Mercedes-Benz EQS Revealed

The Mercedes-Benz EQS was unveiled as a bold and innovative reimagination of a flagship luxury sedan with all-electric power. As a titan in the luxury automotive industry with roots dating back 140 years, Mercedes-Benz imbued the EQS with tradition and cutting-edge technology at the same time, helping usher in a new cohort of electric vehicles from the brand. Now, the EQS has been revitalized, and the new generation of the luxury electric sedan features even more daring technology and updated style, including an industry first for a German automaker. That is, of course, steer-by-wire, which is available for the new 2027 Mercedes-Benz EQS, making it the first series production car from a German automaker to use the technology. Revolutionizing the steering experience to be effortless, a flatter steering wheel is also included, offering greater visibility and freer interior space. It’s just one of the many new details in the 2027 Mercedes-Benz EQS, as Mercedes-Benz says over a quarter of the new car’s components are different than the predecessor. A new 800-volt architecture is the heart of the new 2027 Mercedes-Benz EQS, and its a crucial component of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+’s groundbreaking driving range of roughly 575 miles, along with its drag coefficient of 0.20. With the new EQS, the possibility of taking longer journeys without making charging stops reshapes the electric vehicle driving experience. In addition, fast charging technology means that nearly 200 miles of range can be added in as little as 10 minutes. Thanks to the MB.OS computer system, the new EQS is also more intelligent. Over-the-air updates offer the ability to overhaul the vehicle’s software over time, and AI integration means drivers can use personal interaction to effortlessly perform functions. The MBUX Hyperscreen offers an incredible amount of control and interaction with over 55 inches of displays, and Surround Navigation with Google technology offers intuitive and safe navigation with state-of-the-art graphics for easy driving. The revised design of the new 2027 Mercedes-Benz EQS features a few distinct and important touches. One of them is a standing Mercedes-Benz star, an homage to the S-Class and an ode to Mercedes-Benz tradition. A new grille and light assemblies also enhances the vehicle’s look. Inside, Mercedes-Benz has introduced new seatbelt heating technology to the 2027 EQS, which can also be seen in the new S-Class. Rear seat passengers can enjoy power-adjustable seats, wireless device charging, and an available rear seat entertainment system with screens that feature integrated cameras for videoconferencing. A 710-watt Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound System with 15 speakers and Dolby Atmos technology offers audio luxury. <- Gallery -> Nappa leather upholstery is available for the new Mercedes-Benz EQS, along with a new Natural Grain Poplar Wood trim in black. Along with that, two new MANUFAKTUR colors have been introduced: MANUFAKTUR Black Sparkling, which features glass flakes, and MANUFAKTUR Verde Silver Magno, an elegant matte color. In addition to those, MANUFAKTUR Made To Measure is available for the 2027 Mercedes-Benz EQS, as well, unlocking the vast palette of over 100 colors to choose from. Steering wheel variants, emblem packages, illuminated door sills, and other stunning details are a part of the program, as well, positioning the EQS as a true Mercedes-Benz flagship sedan. With incredible new technology at its heart and luxury craftsmanship tradition throughout, the new 2027 Mercedes-Benz EQS is the future of Mercedes-Benz luxury. View All Mercedes-Benz EQS For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 09, 2026

Mercedes-Benz USA Sold 78,500 Cars In Q1 2026

Celebrating 140 years since Karl Benz invented the production automobile, Mercedes-Benz has been evolving some of the most celebrated cars in its lineup and introducing new technology throughout. Placing focus on high-end offerings, a new flagship Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has been unveiled, and a new Mercedes-Maybach VLS “Grand Limousine” van has been announced, as well. In the first quarter of 2026, Mercedes-Benz reported sales of 78,500 vehicles, a number that represents “resilience… and strong demand” according to the MBUSA CEO, Adam Chamberlain. Mercedes-Benz also reports that the strong number comes thanks to sustained demand for the brand’s SUV lineup, including the recently revised and highly popular GLC, as well as the GLE which just received an update. In Mercedes-Benz’s Top-End offering, the G-Class enjoyed a 16 percent increase in sales year-on-year during the quarter, while the SL increased by 47 percent. Maybach sales also increased by 22 percent. Core models like the GLE and GLC enjoyed sales increases during the quarter, but the overall sales number for the quarter represents a slight decrease compared to last year. However, Mercedes-Benz looks forward to the remainder of 2026 with new models and updated staples that represent the cutting edge of automotive luxury, and many of its models started the year strong. All Mercedes-Benz Inventory Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 08, 2026

Mercedes-Benz Honors Bernhard Langer At The Masters

Last year marked Bernhard Langer’s final Masters. However, the two-time Masters Champion will continue to remain connected to the legendary golf tournament. At last year’s tournament, which was his 41st, Mercedes-Benz honored him with a special gift: a MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure S-Class. The one-off luxury sedan features various bespoke details inspired by the Masters and its legacy, like stitched azalea details, lake green leather upholstery, personalized door sills, and more. This year, Langer returned to Augusta for this year’s Masters tournament in that very same car. In addition, as a Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador, Langer also received a special Mercedes-Benz MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure creation at this year’s Masters: a bespoke patron chair. <- Gallery -> Made to match the car, the chair is not only crafted from high-quality leather, but it’s also emblazoned with Langer’s famous nickname “Mr. Consistency.” As Mercedes-Benz celebrates 140 years since Karl Benz brought the first production automobile to the world in 1886, a tour of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class to 140 places across six continents for the 140 years is currently taking place throughout 2026. As that tour continues, Augusta, Georgia, is one of the stops, coinciding with the current 90th Masters tournament. Along with Bernhard Langer’s iconic presence at the tournament, another Mercedes‑Benz brand ambassador, Ludvig Åberg, will be competing in the tournament. A 26-year-old hailing from Sweden, Åberg already has two top-10 Masters finishes to his name, earned in 2024 and 2025. View All Mercedes-Benz S-Class For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 02, 2026

New Mercedes-Benz EQS Will Have Steer-By-Wire

One of the pioneers of Mercedes-Benz’s blossoming all-electric lineup, the Mercedes-Benz EQS has spent a few years on the market as a flagship luxury electric sedan. Now, however, it’s on the cusp of a new generation, and one of the most ambitious technologies to be introduced to the new EQS is an optional steer-by-wire system. That will make the Mercedes-Benz EQS the first production vehicle from a German manufacturer with the technology, and it promises to transform the steering feel and experience of the vehicle. Once the stuff of science fiction-like pipe dreams, steer-by-wire is on the horizon for the production car world. In the case of the Mercedes-Benz EQS, steer-by-wire allows the driver to intuitively and effortlessly steer without adjusting their grip in various driving and parking maneuvers, and for the vehicle to eliminate vibrations in the steering wheel caused by uneven surfaces, among other benefits. <- Gallery -> Thanks to steer-by-wire, the design of the steering wheel for the Mercedes-Benz can be changed for drivers who opt for the system, with a flatter shape that allows more space for the driver, improves the view of the instrument display, and improves ingress and egress. In addition, the system combines with the innovations of rear-axle steering to make the EQS incredibly agile. The system has endured over 600,000 miles of testing on tracks and in road traffic, and uses redundant architecture, advanced sensors, and more to ensure its safety. To accommodate the new steering wheel design, a new airbag has also been developed, and painstakingly so, to meet the highest safety standards from Mercedes-Benz. As the manufacturer celebrates 140 years since Carl Benz invented the production automobile, Mercedes-Benz is continuing to bring cutting-edge innovation to its lineup, including steer-by-wire, which is coming to the new EQS. Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 02, 2026

New Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe In Final Winter Testing

The latest generation of the Mercedes-AMG GT featured an available four-seat layout. However, that didn’t mean that time was up for its four-door coupe counterpart. Rather, Mercedes-AMG is in the midst of developing a new generation of the GT 4-Door Coupe, combining the compelling performance of the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe with the practicality and versatility of a four-door body style, and the high-tech futurism of an all-electric powertrain. The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is going to be revealed later this spring, and it’s currently in its final phase of cold-weather testing. In the frozen lakes of Northern Sweden, the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is showing off its innovative engineering and impressive power in the extreme conditions. AMG RACE ENGINEER is the name of a new system of both hardware and software dedicated to delivering a dynamic driving experience in the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, and it’s controlled by three rotary controls inside: Response Control, which adjusts the behavior of the electric motors from relaxed to sharp, Agility Control, which allows the driver to adjust the cornering behavior from slight understeer to controlled oversteer, and Traction Control, which is already seen in vehicles like the AMG GT R and AMG GT Black Series. For the first time in an all-electric Mercedes-AMG, the new AMG GT 4-Door Coupe uses three axial flux motors, which allows it to utilize a previously unprecedented level of torque distribution variability, as well as torque vectoring between the rear wheels, making for an incredibly dynamic and powerful driving experience. The incredibly rigorous testing program is finally coming to an end, and AMG enthusiasts are about to see a powerful new all-electric side to the AMG lineup in the form of the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. View All Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 31, 2026

New 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Revealed

Mercedes-Benz has recently updated some of the most important models in its lineup, including the S-Class and its Maybach counterpart, the GLE, the GLC, and more. The GLS, which Mercedes-Benz dubs “the S-Class of SUVs,” is now part of that cohort. For the 2027 model year, the new Mercedes-Benz GLS has been thoroughly updated to maintain its status as one of the brand’s luxury flagship SUVs. Visually, the design has been revised, with a new grille, new taillights with an integrated star design, along with a new illuminated standing star. Meanwhile, new interior finishes and colors, along with design tweaks inside enhance the flagship luxury character of the GLS, and three rows of power-adjustable seats offer comfort for six or even seven occupants. However, the major changes to the new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS have taken place beneath the sheet metal. The introduction of the new MB.OS computing system to the flagship SUV model has given it more advanced technological capabilities than ever before, and drivers can experience that not only in the driving characteristics and features of the vehicle, but also through the new MBUX Superscreen that combines three 12.3-inch glass displays across the width of the dashboard. <- Gallery -> The new GLE also features an available Rear Seat Entertainment system and the Executive Rear Seat Package Plus that employs two 11.6-inch displays, offering comfort and personalized entertainment for rear-seat passengers. Improving the ride quality, as well as Noise, Vibrations, and Harshness in the new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS was also a priority. A new range of powertrains has been introduced to this end, including the GLS 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six, and the GLS 580, which has a 4.0-liter V8 under the hood. AIRMATIC air suspension in the new Mercedes-Benz GLS features a new cloud-based damper regulation, which can anticipate a bump and adjust the damping proactively, providing some of the most advanced and superior ride comfort seen in a Mercedes-Benz yet. With new technology, improved engineering, refined styling, and more opulent luxury, the new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a true flagship luxury SUV, exemplifying the best that the brand has to offer after an incredible 140 years since the beginning of what would become Mercedes-Benz and the entire automotive industry. View All Mercedes-Benz GLS Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 31, 2026

New 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Revealed

First introduced as the M-Class in 1997, the GLE has quickly become one of customers’ favorite Mercedes-Benz models, combining practicality, style, luxury, while also suiting a wide range of performance and driving needs. 30 years later, the new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE has updated the staple with updated powertrains, revised styling, the high-tech MB.OS computer system, and more. However, along with the standard Mercedes-Benz GLE getting an update, a new Mercedes-AMG counterpart to the GLE has also arrived, the new 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53. Featuring an electrified and turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, the new GLE 53 takes a luxury performance favorite and gives it an electrifying reimagination. By itself, the 3.0-liter turbo inline-six musters an impressive 443 hp and 443 lb/ft of torque. For the new model year, the engine has been further improved to deliver a sportier power curve, and a 400-volt plug-in hybrid system adds to the performance, as well. Consisting of a 181-horsepower electric motor with 354 lb/ft of torque, the system most prominently helps eliminate turbo lag. Combined, the total system output is 577 hp and 553 lb/ft of torque, and as a result, the new 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 gets from 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, with a top speed that is electronically limited to 155 mph. <- Gallery -> The electric system, however, not only adds performance, but also efficiency, with a standard fast charger that allows for charging from 10 to 80 percent in just 20 minutes and purely electric driving at up to 87 mph. A newly tuned suspension offers greater dynamics and comfort, while various driving modes adapt for traction, comfort, performance, and efficiency. Nappa leather interiors are a highlight of the new GLE 53’s luxury, and new high-tech in-car systems, including the use of MB.OS, improves the driving experience even further. Available in both SUV and Coupe body styles, the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 is setting a new precedent as a hybrid luxury performance SUV. View All Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 27, 2026

Maybach Stars In “The Devil Wears Prada 2”

20 years ago, The Devil Wears Prada premiered, an iconic film about the glitzy emotional rollercoaster that exists behind the scenes of a fashion magazine. Starring Meryl Streep as the tough and no-nonsense editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly, and Anne Hathaway as her personal assistant, Andy, the highly anticipated sequel is not just a return of the stars and a continuation of the story, but also of the exciting displays of fashion and luxury that were present throughout the film in today’s world, rather than 2006. The original movie featured displays of legendary fashion houses like Marc Jacobs, Chanel, and, of course, Prada, and while we’ve already seen some of the fashion that the sequel has to offer, like a close-up shot of Priestly in a lipstick-red pair of Valentino Rockstud pumps, but another legendary luxury name is playing a major role in the film: Maybach. A pop culture icon in its own right when the first film premiered in 2006, Maybach has since been reimagined under the Mercedes-Maybach brand, and its lineup has recently evolved, while its flagship, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, has been thoroughly updated for the 2027 model year. While the Mercedes-Benz S-Class played a prominent role in the original film, the sequel sees Miranda Priestly use the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class as her vehicle throughout. To celebrate that, Mercedes-Maybach and The Devil Wears Prada 2 are collaborating on a new campaign called “The Art of Arrival.” The campaign not only includes footage from the film that highlights the connection between Miranda Priestly, her Runway magazine, and the incredibly luxurious craftsmanship of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, but also a one-off Mercedes-Maybach S-Class created with MANUFAKTUR. <- Gallery -> Produced for premiere activations and marketing events, the car is inspired by the film, the characters, the magazine, and the New York setting with a MANUFAKTUR Made To Measure interior. The campaign will see print and digital advertising, behind-the-scenes footage, social media content, and more. Exuding luxury and atelier craftsmanship, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is the perfect vehicle for someone as particular and discerning as The Devil Wears Prada 2’s Miranda Priestly. View All Mercedes-Maybach For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Khris Bharath – March 25, 2026

“140 Years. 140 Places”: The Global S-Class Tour Reaches North America

2026 marks 140 years since 1886, i.e., when Karl Benz patented the first gasoline-powered automobile. To mark this momentous milestone, instead of a single event, Mercedes-Benz has chosen to take its celebration on the road. The German marque has deployed its all-new 2027 S-Class on a 50,000-kilometer (31,000-mile) global drive, with the convoy now coming stateside. The choice of the S-Class to lead this celebration doesn’t come as a surprise. For decades, it has not only been the vehicle of choice for heads of state, royalty, and celebrities but also served as a benchmark for design, luxury, comfort, safety, and innovation. Technologies introduced here, from safety systems like crumple zones, ABS, ESP, air bags, PRE-Safe, to hybrid integration and next-generation digital interfaces, often define industry direction before filtering across the wider Mercedes-Benz lineup and beyond. duPont REGISTRY had the opportunity to experience a camouflaged prototype of the 2027 S-Class in a first-ride exclusive, before launch. The journey kicked off on January 29, 2026, immediately after the latest 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class made its world debut. Three sedans left the Mercedes HQ in Stuttgart with a clear objective: to cover six continents, stop at 140 locations, and document the brand’s evolution. En route, Mercedes-Benz integrates classic vehicles, current production models, and local fleet cars at each checkpoint, creating rolling comparisons across generations. Stage one of this monumental transcontinental escapade has already seen the convoy move through the European leg across Switzerland, France, Spain, and Belgium, combining historic routes with modern infrastructure. Over in South America, Brazil and Argentina delivered scale and urban density, while Uruguay and Chile introduced varied terrain that pushed the flagship sedan beyond its natural habitat. <- Gallery -> In North America, the first leg kicked off in Florida, where the S-Class arrived at Sebring International Raceway this past weekend. Onwards to Miami, Mercedes-Benz aligned the journey with its newest global ambassador, 21-year-old tennis star and two-time Grand Slam champion, Coco Gauff. Also, Mercedes-Benz reinforced this milestone at last month’s ModaMiami 2026. The display stretched from the original Benz Patent Motorwagen to the Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar, effectively compressing 140 years into a single showfield. Across North America, the route extends to Washington D.C., New York, Toronto, Tuscaloosa, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. By October, the convoy will return to Stuttgart in Germany. But the significance of this epic journey truly lies in how the S-Class, along with its latest über-luxurious Maybach iterations, continues to carry forward a legacy that has shaped mobility for over a century. View All Mercedes-Benz S-Class For Sale Images: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 24, 2026

New Mercedes-Maybach VLS Announced

Last year saw Mercedes-Benz unveil the Vision V concept, an ambitious design that raised the question of what an ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Benz van would look like. While custom luxury vans are quite popular, and manufacturers in Asia have enjoyed success with luxurious vans like the Lexus LM, the Toyota Alphard, and more, the concept of a luxury van from the manufacturer is relatively novel, at least here in the States. With the recently revealed all-electric Mercedes-Benz VLE, the manufacturer sought to change that, offering a versatile luxury van with its VAN.EA platform. However, the brand isn’t stopping there. Not only is the new production VLS going to represent a flagship luxury van for Mercedes-Benz, it will be introduced as the Mercedes-Maybach VLS, a new expression of Mercedes-Benz’s ultra-luxury outfit. The Mercedes-Maybach lineup is continuing to expand, with a new sporty, open-top SL, the GLS SUV, and the electric EQS SUV, and the new Mercedes-Maybach VLS is going to represent a new, van-based approach to the concept of the “Grand Limousine.” Described as a “true Maybach,” the new Mercedes-Maybach VLS combines the impressive technology potential of the new VAN.EA architecture with the traditional opulence and elegant design of the growing and evolving Maybach lineup. For those who want a taste of the ultimate expression of Mercedes-Benz luxury, a new option is coming soon in the form of the Mercedes-Maybach VLS. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

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